Synchronous condensers have been around for many years. In the 50s and 60s, they were commonly used to provide almost all grid stability in the UK, but fell out of favour towards the end of the 20th century with the rise in power electronics. However, in recent decades, and particularly as more renewables come online, synchronous condensers have roared back into fashion as an “enabler of renewables”.
A synchronous condenser is a large rotating machine, however its shaft is not attached to any driven or driving equipment, and so it is neither a motor nor generator. It produces or absorbs reactive power for voltage control on the grid. As well as being widely used by grid operators, synchronous condensers can also serve a useful purpose in providing stability and continuity of power for larger industrial facilities.
Synchronous condensers: a brief historyKeeping the frequency of the UK electrical grid at the required 50Hz is something that we may take...